Arkansas' running backs razor sharp so far

Arkansas backs pound the rock

When first-year Arkansas coach Bret Bielema talks about the 2-0 Razorbacks' running game, which leads the SEC and ranks 12th nationally averaging 312.5 yards per game after the first two weeks, he's conscious of spreading praise.

"Ever since I've been in the business, to have a one-two punch (with running backs Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams) the way those guys are in there tapping out when they're tired, the chemistry that we've got going there with (fullback) Kiero Small and up front on the offensive line is very, very special," Bielema said.

Collins, a true freshman, and sophomore Williams rank second and third in the SEC (sixth, 12th nationally) respectively averaging 151.5 and 138.5 yards. And there's Small, a fierce blocker and rumbling runner.

There's no ego battle between Williams, the starter, and Collins, the highly-rated hotshot recruit from Florida whose signing day decision was delayed because his mother balked at signing the scholarship papers.

"I'm glad I'm playing with another great running back beside me like Jonathan," said Collins, named the SEC's Freshman of the Week on Monday after running for 172 yards and a TD in Saturday's 31-21 win over Samford. "When he's tired, I go in and replace him. Our coach always likes to have fresh legs in there pounding the rock."

Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen said so far the Hogs' running attack has been a welcome luxury. The Razorbacks didn't throw a pass in the fourth quarter of Saturday's 31-21 win over Samford, using 21 running plays on two touchdown drives and one last-clocking killing possession.

"There's eight minutes left in the game," Allen said, "and we're able to run the ball the rest of the way, control the clock and not have our defense get back out there to make another stop."

Around the League

It's easy for Tennessee to get caught talking about No. 2 Oregon's offense. When the Vols take the field on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CDT in Autzen Stadium, they are facing a Ducks' offense that's ranked No. 3 nationally in total offense (664.3 yards per game), No. 2 in rushing (425 ypg) and No. 3 in scoring (62.5 points) But Tennessee receiver Jacob Carter said Oregon's speed and athleticism on offense is why the Ducks' defense, which faces those lightning bolts daily in practice, shouldn't be shortchanged. "I think their defense is great because their offense is very vivid, fast, and athletic," Carter said. "The part with their offense makes them used to fast teams. They will be used to up-tempo. I think they are a smart defense." Oregon is ranked No. 7 nationally in scoring defense (6.5 ppg) and 38th in total defense (320.5 ypg) ... Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, getting in his first full game of the season in Saturday's 65-28 over Sam Houston State, seems in full rhythm for this weekend's showdown in Alabama. He's hoping the fact the Aggies played over the weekend while the Crimson Tide had an open date gives A&M edge. "We had another full speed game and they didn't," said Manziel, who led A&M to a 29-24 upset over 'Bama last season in Tuscaloosa. "It's hard to simulate that kind of speed in practice, and a lot of our young guys got another game of experience." ... Mississippi State has had famine (a 21-3 opening week loss to Oklahoma State) and feast (a 51-7 wipeout of Alcorn State). So what does the Bulldogs' SEC opener on Saturday at Auburn represent? "Game one (we) made some errors, some first-game mistakes," State coach Dan Mullen said. "Game two, we had injuries but we had a lot of success; you know, there weren't a lot of speed bumps for us. We're getting there. Our team is still kind of developing its personality."